Types of School Flashcards
What is a grammar school?
A school that is selective based on academic ability e.g. through 11+ test
What are the strengths and weaknesses of grammar schools?
AO3
PRO: Meritocratic - based on ability
CON: Determined based on ability at a young age - inaccessible for late bloomers
How do the theories view grammar schools?
Marxists - enforces class divisions as they are typically occupied by the middle class
What are private schools?
Independent schools which set their own curriculum and admissions policies. They are funded by fees paid by parents and investors
What are the strengths and weaknesses of private schools?
AO3
PRO: Better quality education - smaller class sizes
CONS: Excludes WC - enhances class divide
How do the theories view private schools?
Marxist - reproduces class inequality
Functionalists - inequality is necessary
What are state comprehensive schools?
Aim to educate all pupils regardless of their background or ability. The aim is to ensure that all children have access to the same level and quality of education
What are the strengths and weaknesses of state schools?
AO3
PROS: Diversity - accepts students from all backgrounds, makes education accessible to everyone
CONS: Not as meritocratic as believed - based on sets and streams, furthers class divide
How do the theories view state schools?
Marxist: sets and streams disadvantage WC
New Right: state schools are failing to meet their aims - ‘one size fits all’ approach failing disadvantaged pupils
What are specialist schools?
Schools that specialise in a chosen subject area. Get extra funding from from gov and sponsors. Can select 10% of pupils based on apptitude in chosen subject area
What are the strengths and weaknesses of specialist schools?
AO3
PROS: Get additional dunding based on subject, helps parentocracy
CONS: Selective - should be based on catchment area
How do the theories view specialist schools?
New Right: support it as its more privatised - raises standards
What is a free school?
Set up by parents, teachers, charities, religious leaders, etc. By pass LEA and have greater control over finances and curriculum
What are the strengths and weaknesses of free schools?
AO3
PRO: Increases parentocracy
CON: Research shows that they often underperform
How do the theories view free schools?
New Right - more privatised
What are faith schools?
Run similarly to state schools but selective based on religion and have a religious education in their curriculum
What are the strengths and weaknesses of faith schools?
AO3
PRO: Increases parentocracy
CON: Inconsistencies in curriculum
How do the theories view faith schools?
Marxists - religion is an ideological state apparatus
Post Modernists - pick n mix society
What are academies?
Independently managed schools set up by sponsors who work with local authority and gov. They have greater control over finances and teachers’ pay. Can be city academies or outstanding academies
What are the strengths and weaknesses of academies?
AO3
PRO: Less pressure on gov allows the school to stay open with more fundings
CON: Can change education/recruitment policies at will that parents/teachers don’t like
What are special schools?
Pupils who have been assessed and given a statement of SEN attend these schools. May include learning or physical disabilities. Can be state funded or independent
How do the theories view academies?
New Right - more privatised
What are the strengths and weaknesses of special schools?
AO3
PRO: All pupils needs are met
CONS: Isolates pupils, limited curriculum, some require payment
How do the theories view special schools?
Functionalists - all students need are met which helps society function
Post Modernists - individualisation
